Boom Supersonic refines XB-1 design

Following a major external design review, a refined design has been unveiled for the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator, a subscale prototype of the Boom supersonic passenger airliner. Boom Supersonic said the XB-1 will fly in 2018, and it now has orders for 76 aircraft, from five airlines.

The changes include the addition of a third inlet in the tail, for greater propulsion system stability, and an “evolved” wing design. “We now have everything required to build history’s first independently developed supersonic aircraft – the funding, technical design and manufacturing partners,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.

The XB-1 will be assembled at Centennial Airport, near Denver, Colorado. It will feature General Electric engines, Honeywell avionics, Tencate carbon fiber prepreg and 3D-printed parts from Stratasys.

The XB-1 demonstrator will be 68ft long with a 17ft wingspan. It will seat two crew and is designed to cruise at Mach 2.2.

The Boom passenger airliner will be 170ft long with a 60ft wingspan. It will accommodate two crew, 55 passengers in standard configuration, and up to four flight attendants. Boom is targeting a long-range cruise speed of Mach 2.2.

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Izzy has been part of the Business Jet Interiors International team since its second issue, and the editor since 2011. She also edits Auditoria and Railway Interiors International. Outside of work, Izzy is rediscovering her love of art by learning how to paint with watercolors.